2. September 2008
“War Requiem” [GB 1989, Derek Jarman]

“A stunning visual and serious music treat” (Variety), Derek Jarman’s (Sebastiane, Jubilee) 1989 War Requiem reunites British cinema’s enfant terrible with his muse Tilda Swinton (2008 Oscar® Winner for Michael Clayton) for a spectacular and moving interpretation of composer Benjamin Britten’s groundbreaking 1961 orchestral masterpiece. Just as Britten combined the sacred Latin Requiem Mass with the searing unromantic war poetry of British infantry lieutenant Wilfred Owen, who was tragically killed in the final week of WWI, Jarman interprets Britten’s six movements in eye-popping and heartbreaking dialogue-free tableaus illustrating war’s infinite futility, sacrifice, and waste.

War Requiem boldly combines archival footage of war’s devastation with Jarman’s keen and gifted eye for both the theatrical and the political as Owen, played by Nathaniel Parker, doggedly struggles to survive on the field of battle in defense of a cause rendered unjust by the human toll it takes in the trenches and on the home front. Featuring Sean Bean (The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, National Treasure) as Owen’s star-crossed German counterpart, and Sir Laurence Olivier in his final screen appearance, War Requiem is a “violent, horrifying, ultimately inspiring film” that remains Derek Jarman’s definitive, “eloquent, complex, and profoundly negative statement on war” (Washington Post).

Bonusmaterial
- Trailer
- Stills Gallery
 
2. September 2008
“Derek” [GB 2008, Isaac Julien]

Includes Clips From 17 Derek Jarman Films

Academy Award® winner Tilda Swinton personally conducts an intimate cinematic commemoration of the life, times, and work of UK filmmaker, artist, and renegade Derek Jarman in Derek.

Isaac Julien’s (Young Soul Rebels, Looking for Langston) documentary blends together vintage clips from Jarman’s groundbreaking experimental theatrical works and 8mm films, never-before-seen footage from the sets of his Queer Cinema milestone Sebastiane and punk film landmark Jubilee, and revealing interview footage shot shortly before Jarman’s death in 1994. In his own words and the words of those who knew him best, Derek reveals Jarman’s religion-scarred beginnings and his ascent in the vibrant UK counterculture of the 60s and the London punk scene of the 70s. Also covered, his eight film collaboration with muse, companion and collaborator Tilda Swinton, the influential music videos made with The Smiths and The Pet Shop Boys, and Jarman’s contributions to a British art scene he helped to redefine.

Both a “heartbreaking and giddily alive biopic” and an “accomplished homage” (Art Forum), Isaac Julien’s Derek is a joyful requiem celebrating Derek Jarman’s life, vision and legacy with the same maverick energy and affectionate creativity that made its subject one of the most important artistic mirrors of his time.

Bonusmaterial
- An introduction by Producer Colin MacCabe
- The Extended Derek Jarman Interview (1991, UK, 69 minutes)
 
11. November 2008
“Der General / The General” [USA 1927, Clyde Bruckman, Buster Keaton]